Recommendations for London trip in March?

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 6:20pm

I will be traveling to London in March to see some shows and sightsee. I've never been overseas before and am not versed in what all there is to offer there that I should take advantage of.  I'm doing my own research, too, but wanted to ask, for those of you folks in the group who have made the journey across the pond, what recommendations you had for anything theatre-specific I should look into. For example, I may want to tour the National and Shakespeare's Globe, visit The Theatre Cafe, see if there are any costuming or stagecraft exhibitions or tours, etc.  (Even if there's anything cinema-related!)

I have already booked tickets to see Caroline, or Change, Company, All About Eve, and Follies.  I saw there's a 90-minute R+J that will be playing at the Globe, and a few other things, but these are the big four I wanted to make sure I had tickets to because they're the reason I'm headed there.

Took a look at the West End board (which isn't that active, surprisingly) and the Search options and found a couple of threads with recommendations.  So, trust me... I made sure this wasn't one of those annoying recommendation posts. :) 

Thanks in advance and any recs of any kind are greatly appreciated: food, sights, experiences, etc.  Show recommendations are welcome, also, but I kind of splurged on the big four, but will consider cheap ticket options, TodayTix, lotto, and other options.

[AngusN]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 6:30pm

Yes, definitely try to catch a show at The Globe, just for the experience.
Also, even though its not my favourite show, its worth watching Phantom; the production in London is far superior to any other version in the world; its really special.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 6:31pm

Im going back to London in a couple months as well and am seeing 20 shows. When I went last time I got the London Pass which was great for me since I had a lot of sightseeing I wanted to fit in. Im probably going to get it again when I head back since theres still so much I want to see.

I did the tour of the Globe and really loved it as well as the National. Id recommend going to popular museums as early as possible since (at least in my experience) they really fill up with large school groups that made it hard to see some of the more popular exhibits/artwork.

Over in London, TodayTix is the way to go for last minute seats. They dont charge any fees and you can usually have your pick of anything thats playkng (obviously minus the sold out shows).

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 6:39pm

I also enjoyed everybodys talking about Jaime.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 6:55pm

If I was going, I would also want to see Tina.

[JBC3]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 8:45pm

If you have not already checked, the site to guide you is theatreboard.co.uk, the UK equivalent of here. Knowledgeable and helpful posters with lots of activity,

If you go to the General Chat tab, one or more of the threads related to posts asking for advice on London theatre should be helpful.

theatremonkey.com is also a helpful site for discount information, seating advice, and more.

Shows I am seeing in February include Company, Follies, Tartuffe, My Name is Lucy Barton, All About Eve, and Caroline or Change. Updated On: 1/22/19 at 08:45 PM

[Gizmo6]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 8:58pm

I'd say Jamie too I loved it. 

And I am hearing SIX is infectious and I've booked for it. 

I would also like to see Songs for Nobodies. 

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 10:47pm

I would also say Tina. Though I dont know how close you are to New York. As the show will be here by the end of the year maybe just wait if you come to the city.

Also my recommendations for London is the sky garden. Way way more interesting than the millinueum wheel which is far too touristy. I also swear by bourough market.

As well, a great new food app is called too good to go. I hate the idea of food waste. And what a bunch of European cities are doing is drastically reducing the cost of food to get rid of it. Now it is still good. Its random and you prepay and then pick up at the time that is sent. Food that would be sold for 10-12 is around 2. For me living in the city it always made me feel better reducing food waste. But you can also mix it up with some other restaurants too.

Id also recommend getting food at one of the markets. (Like the market in Angel). Its fresh farm produce and honest so cheap. I stalked my friends appartment for like 12 )

If you can fit a day trip to bathe it is so worth it. Its probably my third favourite place in the world. The city is incredible and the rooftop spa is picturesque

Another day trip to Windsor to see the castle (its probably my favourite British castle. Even including buckingham.)

Also if you are a Harry Potter fan. The studio tour is the thing to do.

If you are into art or museums my favourite in the city was the Tate modern. Followed by the British museum and national gallery.

Oh and if you are purchasing stuff to bring back. Make sure you tell the cashiers that you are claiming the tax. And submit at the airport before crossing over. You can get a really nice rebate back.

Enjoy London!

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 1/21/19 at 10:48pm

I would also say Tina. Though I dont know how close you are to New York. As the show will be here by the end of the year maybe just wait if you come to the city.

Also my recommendations for London is the sky garden. Way way more interesting than the millinueum wheel which is far too touristy. I also swear by bourough market.

As well, a great new food app is called too good to go. I hate the idea of food waste. And what a bunch of European cities are doing is drastically reducing the cost of food to get rid of it. Now it is still good. Its random and you prepay and then pick up at the time that is sent. Food that would be sold for 10-12 is around 2. For me living in the city it always made me feel better reducing food waste. But you can also mix it up with some other restaurants too.

Id also recommend getting food at one of the markets. (Like the market in Angel). Its fresh farm produce and honest so cheap. I stalked my friends appartment for like 12 )

If you can fit a day trip to bathe it is so worth it. Its probably my third favourite place in the world. The city is incredible and the rooftop spa is picturesque

Another day trip to Windsor to see the castle (its probably my favourite British castle. Even including buckingham.)

Also if you are a Harry Potter fan. The studio tour is the thing to do.

If you are into art or museums my favourite in the city was the Tate modern. Followed by the British museum and national gallery.

Oh and if you are purchasing stuff to bring back. Make sure you tell the cashiers that you are claiming the tax. And submit at the airport before crossing over. You can get a really nice rebate back.

Enjoy London!

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 12:23am

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Updated On: 1/22/19 at 12:23 AM

[Footlight Parade]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 12:40am

Definitely EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE. I found COMPANY disappointing.. they've played around with it too much, like in Side By Side where Bobbie has had too much to drink and vomits into a plastic bucket. Still, Patti is there. Would also suggest TINA and maybe 9 To 5..while it's still fresh. Avoid MOTOWN ...while the music is good the book is dire.

See Kensington Palace...it's pretty fabulous...it has Diana's clothes and then go and have tea and scones in the cafe, You can say you've dined at Kensington Palace.

Updated On: 1/22/19 at 12:40 AM

[ggersten]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 12:58am

The Tower of London is a must. Yeah, it is kind of kitschy but worthwhile. The Crown Jewels and arms exhibits are worth seeing there.

The Victoria and Albert museum has a permanent theatre exhibit. Plus lots of other interesting things.

Another vote for Borough Market. And the Stalls at Camden Market and the surrounding area can be a trip. And Primrose Hill is nearby with some of the best views of London.

The Churchill War Rooms are interesting if that is an interest.

Skip the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

[ggersten]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 1:02am

JBC3 said: "If you have not already checked, the site to guide you is theatre.co.uk, the UK equivalent of here. Knowledgeable and helpful posters with lots of activity,

If you go to the General Chat tab, one or more of the threads related to posts asking for advice on London theatre should be helpful.

theatremonkey.com is also a helpful site for discount information, seating advice, and more.

Shows I am seeing in February include Company, Follies, Tartuffe, My Name is Lucy Barton, All About Eve, and Caroline or Change."

The discussion board is Theatreboard not just theatre 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 4:34am

Come From Away or Waitress if theyre open!

[Mark_E]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 5:06am

If you enjoyed Kinky Boots/Billy Elliot they definitely go for Everybody's Talking About Jamie. A great British musical.

Also - Six. This has become quite the hit in London. An advantage for you if you wish to see it is that it is one of only a few shows which plays on a Sunday - it has a matinee and an evening.

[Patty3]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 8:49am

Sky Garden is fun for great views of the city. Only take about an hour out of your day. You can go on website and book free tickets. Borough Market gets another vote as does Covent Garden. CG can easily be done on a theater night since many theaters are nearby. Great for some pre show food. Portobello Road is another great place to stroll. If you are into shopping walk along Oxford Street and go see Selfridges. Also Harrods is worth a visit. If you are a Beatles fan take the tube to Abby Road Studios and have your photo taken at the zebra crosswalk. 

If you are into the Royals Windsor is a quick day trip by train from Paddington Station. Windsor Castle is an easy walk from the train station. You can see the changing of the guard there with very few people. Also tour the castle. You can get an early train and be back before your evening show.

Westminster Abbey is a must. Pay a little more and do the Verger tour. Buy an Oyster card and use the tube and double decker buses to get around. It's easy once you get the hang of it. Also I would suggest buying The London Mapguide by Michael Middleditch. It's my bible when I am in London.

This company has some interesting walks and day trips: http://www.walks.com

Some restaurants I would suggest Cafe In the Crypt near Trafalgar Square. Gordon's Wine Bar (oldest wine bar in London). The Mayfair Chippy and Rock and Sole Plaice for fish and chips. For a splurge Rules and Duck and Waffle. And the pubs - do a search for historic London pubs and try to hit a few of them. 

Enjoy my favorite city and Follies - I saw it on my last trip a few years ago.

[SherrieByTheSea]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 10:08am

Branch out from the West End. I saw some wonderful plays at Finborough Theatre (25 seats above a pub), Southwark Playhouse, The Bridge, Menier Chocolate Factory (get their dinner/play deal), and Hampstead Theatre.

Take boat to Greenwich and DLR back. Make sure you walk the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames between Greenwich and Isle of Dogs and catch the DLR there. If you do, right when you come out of the tunnel you are in a wonderful little riverside park (Island Gardens) and there is a friendly fellow selling tea and snacks from a little trailer. 

You'll also have the exact view (remarkably unchanged) as the famous painting by Canaletto "A View of Greenwich from the River" painted around 1750. I did this and got back in plenty of time for play that evening.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 10:18am

I am also going in London in March- I have tickets to Caroline Or Change- All About Eve, Come FromAway, Jesus Took The A Train ant eh Young Vic, and Tina. Last year saw Jamie- it is a MUST- best thing we saw. I think Churchill's Bunker, Westminster Abbey and a quick visit to a session of Parliament or House Of Lords- in building right next to Westminster Abbey- is so interesting- and FREE- last time I saw both in session. You sit in the peanut gallery overlooking the session- unforgettable. I liked Witness For the Prosecution and also The Mousetrap. 

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 1/22/19 at 10:34am

I’d reiterate what a lot of people have already said here:

THEATRE:

- not sure if Adrienne Warren will be originating Tina on Broadway, but if you get the chance to see the show with her in it, do it! She’s phenomenal in the role. She doesn’t play Tina on Mondays.

- Come From Away is opening this month, and Waitress in Feb - good choices if not already seen them. Kat McPhee is playing Jenna and I saw her on broadway last year and she was great.

- Not seen Six but it def has its fans!

RESTAURANTS:

- Avoid all the West End tourist trap chain restaurants, like Angus or Garfunkels!

- Barrafina is an amazing Spanish tapas restaurant. There are 3 branches - the Adelaide st one (which is my fave) is probably closest to all the theatres. You can’t book so be prepared for a longish wait, especially if you have a show, but you can’t get drinks and snacks while you wait.  

- Brasserie Zedel is a good pre or post theatre choice restaurant, and good value. Also the place does great live music nights. 

- There’s lots of good comedy nights in the West End also, if you enjoy that. 

TOURISTY THINGS:

- Def recommend the Tower of London if you have the time. It’s good to latch onto one of the beefeater tours (which are every 30 mins / hour I think, as they’re always informative.

- London Walks is a great way of seeing specific areas of London by foot. Check out their website for the itinerary. You basically meet at a tube spot and pay about £10, and a guide takes you round, and they’re usually pretty interesting characters! 

Updated On: 1/22/19 at 10:34 AM

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/28/19 at 1:01pm

Unfortunately, Caroline or Change is closing on March 2, a week before my scheduled ticket. I am looking at maybe 9 to 5 (I saw the national tour and it starts previews tonight), The Twilight Zone, Violet (saw the Broadway production), Downstate, Six, and *maybe* Emilia, the latter 3 which I know nothing about.

Updated On: 1/28/19 at 01:01 PM